New Zealand
Is CBD Legal in New Zealand?
Status
Medical Only
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 28, 2026
The short answer
CBD is a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand. Since the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2017 removed CBD from controlled-drug scheduling, CBD products containing no more than 2% THC plus other specified cannabinoids relative to total CBD content can be prescribed by any registered medical practitioner. CBD is classified as a prescription medicine under the Medicines Act 1981, meaning it cannot be sold over the counter, online to consumers, or in health-food stores.
Under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, CBD products meeting the minimum quality standard set by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency are available through pharmacies on prescription. Sativex (nabiximols) remains the only CBD-containing product with full Medsafe approval, while other CBD products are supplied as approved-quality unapproved medicines. Possession of a CBD product without a prescription is treated as possession of a prescription medicine without authorisation under the Medicines Act, attracting fines. Importing CBD for personal use without a prescription is prohibited; patients with a valid NZ prescription may import up to a 3-month supply with Ministry of Health authorisation.
Key facts ·
New Zealand
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Maximum 2% THC plus specified other cannabinoids relative to total CBD content
Regulator
Medsafe / Ministry of Health
Key regulation
Misuse of Drugs Act 1975; Medicines Act 1981; Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019
Effective
December 1, 2017
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Commercial import and export of CBD products requires a Medsafe licence and compliance with the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme quality standard. Personal importation by patients with a New Zealand prescription is permitted up to a 3-month supply with prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Over-the-counter CBD products purchased overseas cannot lawfully be brought into New Zealand and may be seized at the border.
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